User:Thetoaks

Description The Toaks are an indie/blue/rock band based in Devon, UK. They were originally called "The Toxic Oaks", a name based on land contamination issues on the street where all four initial band members lived.

Formation and lineup Formed in 2009 to provide entertainment at the famous "Yeofest" beer festival, the original line-up comprised Matthew Shepherd (vocals, guitar), Simon Maynard (harmonica, guitar), Ash Taylor (bass, backing vox) and Keith Landberger (drums). Since their first incarnation, the band have played with drummers Brian Meredith, Ant Wooley and the current drummer is Ben Moseley.

Band Background The band play covers and original songs written by Matthew and Simon. Before The Toaks, Matthew was bassist, songwriter and vocalist with The Cheesemen, an alternative pop outfit of the early 1990s along with Koo Parker, doyenne of Eeriephone Records, as well as contributing to early recordings by Dan Cray and The Durds. He's also a cellist in a local orchestra and has played with the Harbour String Quartet. Simon has been in various bands based in his native Essex, and Ash was guitarist in NSC (No Second Chance).

Recent activity The Toaks have played at a range of beer festivals, local events, pubs and functions, from 1999 to the present, at various locations around Devon. Matthew and Simon also perform 2-piece acoustic songs, with a mix of original material and cover versions.

Links and Contact The band have posted some rough practice recordings at their reverbnation web page (www.reverbnation/thetoaks).

and can be contacted at matthew(at)slipshod.eclipse.co.uk